Institute for Leadership in Ministry Lay Ministry Institute for Leadership in Ministry November 21, 2015 Jeannine Leichner

Let Us Pray Lord of our heart, give us vision to inspire us. Lord of our heart, give us wisdom to direct us. Lord of our heart, give us courage to strengthen us. Lord of our heart, give us trust to console us. Lord of our heart, give us love to mission us. Lord of our heart, give us grace to root our lives in you. Amen.

Overview Foundations of Lay Ministry Meaning and Purpose of Lay Ministry The Call to Lay Ministry The Calls within the Call Lay Ecclesial Ministry

Your Experience Why did you become a lay minister? What natural talents or skills do you bring to your ministry?

Before Vatican II There was no lay ministry Laity played a passive role Clear separation between clergy and laity Image of Church was often understood as a pyramid Pope Lay people

Since Vatican II New People of God (The Dogmatic Constitution on the Church, #9) All share in the ministry of Christ through Baptism and Confirmation “Baptism and confirmation empower all believers to share in some form of ministry…Through baptism and confirmation lay men and women have been given rights and responsibilities to participate in the mission of the church.” Called and Gifted: The American Catholic Laity, p. 5, 6 The Bishops of the United States

Lay Apostolate Primary role and responsibility of lay people is service to the world “The laity, however, are given this special vocation: to make the Church present and fruitful in those places and circumstances where it is only through them that she can become the salt of the earth.” The Dogmatic Constitution on the Church, #33

Lay Apostolate Another role for lay people: Service to the Church “Besides this apostolate which belongs to absolutely every Christian, the laity can be called in different ways to more immediate cooperation in the apostolate of the hierarchy, like those men and women who helped the Apostle Paul in the Gospel…” The Dogmatic Constitution on the Church, #33

Reflection How would you complete the sentence: Lay Ministry is ….. What are three things that you consider to be essential for a lay minister?

Lay Ministry A gift and a call “You did not choose me, but I who chose you and appointed you to go and bear fruit that would remain,…” John 15:16 A call from God and a call from the Church The call to lay ministry involves a commitment to serve in a public way in cooperation with ordained ministers for the good of the community

Lay Ministers: Called to Collaborate Collaboration: working together with others toward a common goal. Some qualities or attitudes needed: Attitude of service Attitude of openness Ability to put needs of the group or activity above personal needs Abilty to work in harmony with others Ability to listen to others Ability to work through conflict

Lay Ministers: Called to Collaborate Lay Ministers collaborate with the pastor/priest other parish leaders others in their same ministry other ministries and members of organizations

Lay Ministers Called to be persons of prayer “therefore all in the Church, whether they belong to the hierarchy or are cared for by it, are called to holiness.” Dogmatic Constitution on the Church, #39 Reflection How do you like to pray? How has prayer supported you in carrying out your ministry?

Lay Ministers Called to ongoing formation Called to humility Gain greater understanding and appreciation of the call to ministry, their role and how it fits into the larger picture Develop a deeper spirituality and a more mature faith Called to humility Called to sensitivity to needs

Lay Ministers Called to witness Called to be responsible In their ministry In their lives Called to be responsible Preparation Carrying out ministry Called to share the joy of the RISEN LORD!

Lay Ecclesial Ministry A call to leadership in the Church Works in close mutual collaboration with ordained ministers A major life choice discerned personally and with the pastor or other Church representatives Authorized and supervised by the bishop or his delegate Requires a special level of competence

What will you do to grow as a lay minister? Reflection Questions 1. What did you hear today that will help you become a better lay minister? 2. The primary role of the laity is in service to the world. In what way does your ministry help members of your community carry out their mission of service to the world? 3. What are some ways you can communicate joy in the risen Lord through your ministry? Response What will you do to grow as a lay minister?

Closing Prayer We bless you Lord for our calling, for nurturing in each of us a disciple’s heart, a heart that rejoices at your coming, a heart sustained by your Spirit, a heart encouraged by fellow disciples. May there grow in each of our hearts the disciple’s commitment to serve, the disciple’s willingness to learn, and the disciple’s joy in becoming an instrument of your grace. Amen